Π Ε Ρ Ι Ε ΧΟ Μ Ε ΝΑ

Pantelis K. Lekkou
THE ASSISTANCE OF EGYPTIOTIC HELLENISM
TO MACEDONIAN HELLENISM
In the present recommendation we briefly exhibit the assistance of Egyptiotic Hellenism
to Macedonian Hellenism – who was in difficult struggle –, and the impact that
the tragical facts of Macedonia had in Egypt. The outbreak of hostilities in Macedonia
was logical and expectable to bring about alarm to the entire colony and especially
to the big communities of Alexandria and Cairo. The vehicles who took action for
the benefit of struggled Macedonians were the Greek Community of Alexandria, the
association «The Hellenism in Egypt», the «Macedonian Society», the society «Great
Alexander» in Cairo, the «Panellinios Union» and the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
In 1904 the Greek Community of Alexandria made a collection for the benefit of
Macedonians in which took part massly all the Greek Colony of Alexandria, at the
same time assisted the «Ally of Macedonian Society» in Athens. A second collection
for the benefit of Macedonians took part thanks to the private initiative. The vehicle
of it was the «Panellinios Union», who established in 1906 and had members thousands
Greeks of all Egypt. The purpose of the Union was the material assistance of
Greece, especially for the military and naval preparation of the country and of course
the assistance of the Greeks in bondage. One of the most popular and succeful actions
of the Association «The Hellenism in Egypt» was the getting up dramatic gresses. The
proceeds of them were for the victim’s widows and the orphans in Macedonia. The
Association sent in Macedonia totally into 17 months (from the summer of 1904 until
the end of 1905) 10.500 Francs, a large amount of money for these era.
The Patriarchate of Alexandria took part in the struggle for the benefit of Macedonia.
The Patriarch Fotios Ι (1900-1925) was eminent for his virtues and his patriotism,
which was approved many times during his patriarchy. A year before the beginning
of the army struggle in Macedonia the Patriarchate of Alexandria made an absolutely
succeful collection for the benefit of Macedonians. The official correspondence between
the Ecumenical Patriarch Joachim and Patriarch Fotios Ι is very important. Many others
metropolitans of the Macedonian Metropolises of Ecumenical Patriarchate sent
letters to Patriarch Fotios – during the Macedonian struggle – asking for assistance.
Most of the requests were made for financial assistance for the construction of communal
and other buildings or was a request to hold collections in Alexandria for the
benefit of their dioceses. Between them distinguished the metropolitans Alexandros of
Thessalonica, Theodoritos of Neurokopion and Agathaggelos of Grevena.
The role of colonial and ecclesiastical press was improved very important, as the
variety publishing for Macedonia. The research will continue to bring in the light more
evidences, which better enlighten this period of our History.